Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has revealed efforts are underway to find a solution to foreigners working on fishing boats without the necessary quota. The ministry has set a specific rule for foreigners to be kept on fishing boats and a special quota for such foreigners must be taken by the ministry.
The fisheries ministry said the general fisheries regulations of the Maldives were revised to allow up to two expatriates to work in a fishing vessel, without being directly involved in fishing. The ministry said the change was brought upon concerns by stakeholders on the limited availability of locals for certain work in fishing vessels. The ministry said the change also addresses concerns from major foreign retailers that the fishing carried out in the Maldives is unlawful due to the presence of expatriates on the fishing vessels. A maximum of two foreigners are allowed to work on fishing boats, and foreigners are allocated quotas to maintain security and work as cooks or cleaners on the vessels, according to fisheries regulations.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Director of Fisheries Compliance Ahmed Shifaz said various agencies are working together to solve the problems pertinent to expatriates. He said discussions have been held with the relevant authorities on how such an operation to solve the matter will be conducted. He said since fishing in the Maldives is linked to the culture of the Maldivian people, controlling the involvement of expatriates is crucial for the future of the whole industry. He added the increasing number of foreigners involved in fishing is a matter of concern.
About 750 boats have been issued fishing licenses in the Maldives. The fisheries ministry estimates about 17,000 people work as fishermen across the country.